The Virtues of Vice

The Virtues of Vice is the second book in the series. If you have not read Ground Sweet as Sugar please do so, these books must be read in order. #VirtuesofVice opens where Ground Sweet as Sugar left off. We continue the stories of Charlotte, James, Keogh, Shae, and Jenny. The plot continues in the Caribbean as well as Ireland. I really hesitate to say more about the plot as it could be a spoiler, if not for this book, for those that haven't read the first one yet. While this is a romance, there are a lot of historical facts and situations that Ms. Heywood included. These additions make for a wonderful backdrop and enriches the book. Thank you #NetGalley for the opportunity to give my voluntary and honest review. I read this book in less than a day, I didn't want to put it down.

This was a wonderful ending to the first book, giving the reader enough suspense and conflict as the first book. The only thing that left me unsatisfied was the ending but perhaps it was because I didn't want the story to end.

The characters and setting were rich with depth and complexity. This story and its characters will stick with me for quite a while and I look forward to more by this author.

'The Virtues of Vice' continues the story began in 'Ground as Sweet as Sugar' (you'll definitely need to read this before to understand what's happening) and our lead characters Charlotte and James are battling with both current events and their feelings for each other. Life in the West Indies remains tough and there's a balance to be found, not only in their personal lives but in the world around them.
The drama certainly continues for Charlotte as she is punished for her part in crimes of the previous book. James is, as always, on her side, even when he perhaps shouldn't be. Heywood's characters have flaws and Charlotte certainly does; this can alienate her from the reader and we have to remember this fiction is set in a far-removed time to understand events and decisions. James and Charlotte's relationship does dominate the book, but we also have dangers and manipulations to deal with. This is a world of strife, greed, desires, domination and despair. But it's balanced by the positives: love, loyalty and friendship.

Heywood, as always provides a story that drags the reader into some wonderful escapism, romance and high drama.
A book of consuming love, justice, power and revenge, where the end to all virtue is finally happiness.

I did not read the first book but this was difficult to put down and extremely engaging! The characters were in depth and complex...there wasn't a moment I was not in awe of their humanity and flaws. I kept ending up in research rabbit holes with each historical reference. This book was fascinating. Highly recommend!

I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.